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Temporomandibular disorders and tension-type headache
1Department of Clinical Pathophysiology, Headache and Facial Pain Unit, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, I-10126 Torino, Italy. franco.mongini@unito.it
Current Pain and Headache Reports
|January 5, 2008
Summary
Temporomandibular joint disorders, craniofacial pain, and tension-type headaches are distinct but related conditions. Screening for psychiatric disorders like depression and anxiety is crucial for effective treatment of headache and facial pain.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pain Medicine
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) encompass distinct pathologies, including temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and craniofacial and cervical myogenous pain (MP).
- These conditions can be superimposed and share common etiologic factors, complicating diagnosis and treatment.
- Tension-type headache (TTH) frequently co-occurs with craniofacial and cervical pain, suggesting shared underlying mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To differentiate between TMJ disorders, MP, and TTH.
- To investigate the association between these pain conditions and psychiatric comorbidity.
- To emphasize the importance of psychiatric screening in patients with headache and facial pain.
Main Methods:
- Review and synthesis of existing literature on temporomandibular disorders, craniofacial pain, and tension-type headaches.
- Comparative analysis of the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity in different pain conditions.
- Clinical evaluation recommendations for patients presenting with headache and facial pain.
Main Results:
- TMJ disorders, MP, and TTH are distinct but can overlap, sharing etiological factors.
- Psychiatric comorbidity (depression, anxiety) is less common in isolated TMJ disorders compared to MP and TTH.
- Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments effective for TTH may also benefit patients with craniofacial and cervical pain.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive clinical evaluation is necessary to distinguish between different temporomandibular pathologies.
- Screening for underlying psychiatric disorders is essential in patients with persistent headache and facial pain.
- Integrated treatment approaches addressing both pain and psychiatric aspects may improve patient outcomes.
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